Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for lower and upper body exercising. The exercise device is configured for lower and upper body exercising. The exercise device includes a pair of connecting rods. The connecting rods are movable and restrained by a resistance element for exercising.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an exercise device. The exercisedevice is configured for lower and upper body exercising.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] The advantages of exercising are widely know and numerousexercise devices are available. Typically, the exercises devices includea structure that allows the user to move a portion of their body againsta resistive element. The resistive element resists the movement andthereby exercises the muscle performing the movement. The exercisingmovement determines the muscle group that is exercised.

[0005] Leg muscles can be exercised with a pushing action. The pushingaction requires the suer to exert force while pushing their legs in apushing their legs from a crouched position relative to the body to anextended position relative to the body. This type of motion isadvantageous for increasing lower body circulation and muscle mass.

[0006] Arm muscles can be exercised with both a pushing action and apulling action. The pushing motion requires the user to exert forcewhile pushing their arms away from a crouched position relative to thebody to an extended position relative to the body. The pulling motionrequires the user to exert force while pulling their arms from anextended position relative to the body to a crouched position relativeto the body. These types of motions are advantageous for increasingupper body circulation and muscle mass.

[0007] When a person remains in a fixed position for a period of time,such as while seated or lying down, the upper and lower body tend toreceive little if any physical movement. As such, when the muscles arenot in motion the blood supplied thereto tends to decrease or becomestale. In response, muscles can stiffen, atrophy, and the like. As aresult, blood clots and other maladies can occur. Exercising leg or armmuscles while in the fixed position decreases the effects of remaininginactive for extended periods of time. Accordingly, there exists a needfor an exercise device that can be used for leg or arm exercises whilean operator is in a fixed position.

[0008] There are numerous locations where a user is in a fixed positionfor a period of time and desire to perform leg or arm exercises. Suchpositions may include the user sitting at desks and tables, in planes,trains, boats, wheelchairs, hospital beds, or as a passenger in anautomobile. Accordingly, there exists a need for an exercise device thatcan be used for leg exercises while the user is seated in these types oflocations.

[0009] Many of the exercise devices that can perform such exercisingmovements are not sufficiently sized for use in compact areas. Inaddition, many of the devices that are sufficiently sized to performsuch movements in compact areas have a tendency to tip over duringoperation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to an exercisedevice. The exercise device includes an elongated pivot and at least oneconnecting rod having a first connecting end and a second connectingend. The first connecting end of the connecting rod is connected to thepivot for rotating around the pivot. A user can apply force to thesecond connecting end for causing the first connecting end to rotatearound the pivot. In addition, the exercise device further includes aresistive element for resisting the rotation of the connecting rod. Toprevent the exercise device from tipping over, the exercise device stillfurther includes a first support and a second support. The supports aresufficiently positioned on a first side of the pivot and a second sideof the pivot so that the user applied force is substantially projectedbetween the first support and the second support to prevent the exercisedevice from tipping over.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an exercisedevice for exercising in a compact area. The exercise device includes athree dimensional housing defining an interior cavity. A pivot and twoseparately movable connecting rods supported within and are covered bythe housing. The pair of connecting rods separately connect to the pivotfor rotating around the pivot. Handle bars are connected to eachconnecting rod and extend beyond the housing for a user to apply forceto the connecting rod to separately rotate each connecting rod aroundthe pivot. A recessed resistive is connected to each connecting rod forresisting rotation of the connecting rod. A pair of supports connect tothe housing to support the exercise device in operation.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to anexercise device for humans to operate while the exercise device ispositioned on a generally horizontal surface. The exercise deviceincludes a pair of spaced apart feet for resting on the generallyhorizontal surface. The feet support a pivot disposed between the feetand having an axis extending generally parallel to the horizontalsurface. A connecting arm is journalled on the pivot for swingablemovement, the feet projected from the swingable movement in a plane thatintersects the feet. A resistive element resists the swingable movementon the connecting arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise device being used for lower bodyexercising, in accordance with the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 illustrates the exercise device being used for upper bodypushing exercising, in accordance with the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 3 illustrates the exercise device being used for upper bodypulling exercising, in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 5of the exercise device showing an elastic resistive element, inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary end view of the exercise device shown inFIG. 4 taken from a rear position, in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 7showing a torsion spring resistive element rather than the elasticelement of FIG. 4;

[0019]FIG. 7 illustrates a fragmentary end view of the exercise deviceshown in FIG. 6 taken from a rear position, in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0020]FIG. 8 illustrates a tension adjustment panel for use with thetorsion spring resistive element of FIG. 6 in accordance with thepresent invention; and

[0021]FIG. 9 is a force diagram having a force projection betweensupports of the exercise device to prevent the exercise device fromtipping over, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0022]FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise device 10 being used for lower bodyexercising in accordance with the present invention. In this position,the user is required to move their legs in a pushing motion againstresistance provided by the exercise device. The pushing motion requiresthe user to exert force while pushing their legs from a crouchedposition relative to the body to an extended position relative to thebody. As shown, the user is seated above the exercise device 10, but theuser could also be seated or lying on the floor at substantially thesame elevation as the exercise device. In both arrangements, this typeof motion is advantageous for increasing lower body circulation andmuscle mass.

[0023] The exercise device 10 can also be positioned for upper bodyexercising. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exercise device can bepositioned on top of a table and the user can move their arms againstthe resistance provided by the exercise device. In this position, theexercise device is elevated above the user's seated position.

[0024]FIG. 2 illustrates the user moving their arms in a pushing motion.The pushing motion requires the user to exert force while pushing theirarms away from a crouched position relative to the body to an extendedposition relative to the body. FIG. 3 illustrates the user moving theirarms in a pulling motion. The pulling motion requires the user to exertforce while pulling their arms from an extended position relative to thebody to a crouched position relative to the body. These types of motionsare advantageous for increasing upper body circulation and muscle mass.

[0025] Clearly the ability to use the exercise device 10 to exerciseboth the upper body and the lower body is advantageous. Moreover, theexercise device can be used to exercise both portions of the bodywithout having to perform any mechanical adjustments to the exercisedevice 10. The user does not have to adjust any positional mechanisms orresistive mechanisms. Rather, the user simply places the exercise devicerelative to the portion of the body they desire to exercise.

[0026] Especially advantageous is the relatively compact size of theexercise device. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the entire exercise device isnot much larger than the user's feet and hands. Accordingly, theexercise device can be used in virtually any location. The relativelysmall size allows the exercise device to be used in compact areas, suchas, under or on top of a work desk, on a floor within an automobile, ona floor within the all too narrow floor areas of an airplane, and inrestrained seating arrangements like hospital beds and wheelchairs.Moreover, the relatively small size allows the exercise device to berelatively light and easy to transport to such areas.

[0027] As shown, the exercise device moves in a semi-rotational orswingable manner. In FIG. 4 the use of the exercise device 10 isillustrated with a pictorial representation of the exercise device 10 ina non-actuated, resting position and a fully actuated, resisting period.

[0028] For exemplary purposes described more fully below, thenon-actuated, resting position corresponds with a rear of the exercisedevice, and the actuated, resisting position corresponds with a front ofthe exercise device. In the non-actuated, resting position, sufficientforce has not been provided to overcome the force provided by theexercise device. In the actuated, resisting position, sufficient forcehas been supplied to overcome the resistance provided by the exercisedevice.

[0029] The exercise device generally comprises a three dimensionalhousing 14. The three dimensional housing 14 defines an inner cavity.The cross-section shown in FIG. 4 is taken longitudinally andapproximately through the middle of the housing 14 as shown in FIG. 5.The swingable exercising motion provided by the exercise device isaccomplished by rotating a pair of connecting rods 16 and 16′ journalledon an elongated pivot 18 which is connected at opposite ends to theopposite side walls 15 and 15′ of the housing 14.

[0030] The connecting rod 16 and pivot 18 are substantially covered bythe housing 14 to protect the user from pinching the user's fingers inthe moving parts. A handle bar 20 is attached to the connecting rod 16and extends beyond the housing 14. The user can push and pull the handlebar 20 for applying force to the connecting rod 16 to conduct theexercising movements. An angular slot 22 is provided in the housing 14so that the handle bar 20 can move as shown.

[0031] To prevent over extending the movement of the connecting rod 16and damaging the housing 14 or other components in the housing 14, arear stop 26 and a front stop 28 are provided. The stops mechanicallyprevent the connecting rods 16 from moving past the stops. The stops caninclude a coating 30 to prevent wearing and noise from the contactgenerated by the connecting rods 16 contacting the stops.

[0032] The portion of the connecting rod 16 connecting to the pivot 18corresponds with a first connecting end 30, and a portion of theconnecting rod connecting to the handle bars 20 corresponds with asecond connecting end 32. The user applied force causes the connectingrod 16 to rotate on the pivot 18 to provide the upper body and lowerbody exercising.

[0033] The exercise device 10 generally rotates around the pivot 18 fromthe rear to the front of the housing. The exercise device includes aresistive element 34 to resist the movement of the exercise device fromthe rear to the front of the housing.

[0034] In FIG. 4, the resistive element 34 comprises rubber bands, orother flexible or elastic elements. The resistive element 34 wrapsaround pegs 36 mounted on the connecting rods 16 and 16′ and pegs 37mounted on a bracket 39 which in turn is mounted on the housing as byscrews 56. As shown, multiple pegs 36 and 37 provide for attachingmultiple resistive elements. The additional pegs 36 and 37 and resistiveelements 34 can be used to adjust the resistance to control the amountof force the user must apply to move the connecting rods 16 and 16′. Ahatch 38 and a hinge 40 is provided to access the interior cavity. Theresistive elements 34 can be changed by opening the hatch 36 andremoving or replacing the rubber bands.

[0035] Attached with brackets 44 to the front and rear of the housingare a first, rear support 46, and a second, front support 48. The first,rear support 46 is considered to be on a first side 50 of the pivot andthe second, front support is considered to be opposite the first supporton a second side of the pivot. The supports 46 and 48 are shown asgenerally cylindrical, but they need not be. In addition, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, the supports 46 and 48 extend the entire width of the housing14 and beyond. The supports 46 and 48 do not have to extend the entirewidth as a single structure, but it is advantageous to at least extendsome portion of the supports 46 and 48 beyond the width of the housing14 for stabilizing the exercise device 10 from side to side movements.If the exercise device 10 is not stabilized in such a manner it may fallover on its side.

[0036] The exercise device 10 can be constructed with any type ofplastic or metal. As shown, the exercise device 10 comprises a metalwith different components and sections held together with a number ofscrews.

[0037]FIG. 5 illustrates a fragmentary end view of the exercise device10 shown in FIG. 4, as taken from the rear. The device 10 includes apair of connecting rods 16 and 16′ with corresponding handle bars 20 and20′ extending beyond the housing 14 for the user to grasp to applyforce. The connecting rods 16 and 16′ are separately movable against theseparate resistive elements 34 and 36′ such that each arm or leg can beexercised as desired.

[0038] The handle bars 20 and 20′ have brackets 58 and 58′ which extendthrough the curved slots 22 in the sides 15 and 15′ of the housing forattachment to the connecting rods. In addition, the supports 46 and 48and the handle bars 20 and 20′ can include a coating 60. The handle bars20 can be coated with a foam or other material 59 that may be used foruser comfort and gripping. The supports 46 and 48 can be coated with arubber or other material 60 that can help to prevent skidding of theexercise device relative to the surface upon which it rests. The coatingor other material should have a coefficient friction relative to thesurface that prevents such skidding.

[0039]FIG. 6 presents a cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofthe exercise device 10 taken longitudinally and approximately throughthe middle of the housing 74 as shown in FIG. 2. While most of thecomponents are the same as the exercise device 10 shown in FIG. 4, themain difference occurs with the resistive element 34. Rather than arubber band, the resistive element comprises a torsion spring.

[0040] The torsion spring wraps around the pivot 18 and includes fingers66 and 68 at each end of the spring. One of the fingers 66 pressesagainst the connecting rod 16 and one of the fingers 68 at the other endof the spring connects to a tension adjustment arm 70.

[0041] Depending on how tightly coiled the fingers 66 and 68 are, theresistance provided by the torsion spring can vary. The resistanceprovided by the torsion spring can be adjusted to control the amount offorce the user needs to apply to move the connecting rods 16 and 16′ toconduct the upper and lower body exercises.

[0042]FIG. 7 illustrates a fragmentary end view of the exercise deviceshown in FIG. 6, as seen from the rear. As shown, ends of the finger 66and 66′ presses against the connecting rods 16 and 16′ and other ends ofthe finger 68 and 68′ inserts within a relief 78 provided by theadjustment arm 70. In addition, two torsion springs are shown forseparate movement of the connecting rods 16 and 16′ such that each armor leg can be exercised as desired.

[0043] The preceding demonstrates two types of resistive elements thatmay be used with the present invention. Other resistive elements couldsimilarly be used, such as a coil spring or pulley.

[0044] The housing 14 includes a tension adjustment panel 74, as shownin FIG. 8, for positioning the tension adjustment arm 70. The tensionadjustment arm 70 is positioned within a notch 76 of the panel. Thenotch 76 positions cause the fingers 66 and 68 of the torsion spring tobe arranged into a tighter or looser coil.

[0045] The tension provided by the torsion spring against the connectingrod 16 can be controlled in combination with the tension adjustmentpanel 74. For example, the tension supplied at a notch #1 is less thanthe tension supplied at a notch #4. As such, when the tension adjustmentarm 70 is positioned at notch #4 the torsion spring is wrapped in atighter coil and thus provides greater resistance to the connecting rod16. The user can position the tension adjustment arm 70 in any of thenotches 76 for controlling the desired amount of resistance.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 9, yet another aspect of the present inventionrelates to configuring the connecting rods 16 and 16′ the pivot 18, thefirst support 46, and the second support 48 to prevent the exercisedevice 10 from tipping over the second, front support 48. To prevent theexercise device 10 from tipping over the force F applied by the userpushing or pulling the handle bar must be projected between the firstsupport 46 and the second support 48.

[0047] The connecting rod 16 defines a linear line stretching from thepivot 18 at the first connecting end to the handle bar 20 at the secondconnecting end. The distance therebetween is a connecting rod length L.Likewise, the first support 46 and the second support 48 define a linearline stretching from the center of the first support 46 to the center ofthe second support 48. The distance therebetween is a spacing distanceD.

[0048] The first support 46 and the second support 48 are coplanar forlevel operation on a generally horizontal surface 80, whether it be afloor or a table top. For any given position of the pivot point 18, theconnecting rod length L and the support spacing distance D must beproportionally configured to prevent the exercise device 10 from tippingover.

[0049] Static equilibrium analysis is used to determine the appropriateconnecting rod length and the support spacing distance D. The analysisbegins by summing all the forces in the vertical Y direction and solvingthe summation by deriving the unknown forces from a summation of themoments about the first support 46.

[0050] Please note, the present invention makes the assumption that thecoating 60 on the supports is sufficient to prevent the exercise device10 from skidding during operation. Accordingly, the forces acting on thehorizontal X direction are assumed to be sufficient to prevent skiddingand are not required for configuring the proportionality of theconnecting rod length to the support spacing distance.

[0051] The summation of the forces in the vertical Y direction is givenby the following equation (1):

A _(y) +B _(y) −F·cos(θ)=0  (1)

[0052] wherein A_(y) is the reactionary force of the surface 80 pressingupwardly against the first support 46, B_(y) is the reactionary force ofthe surface 80 pressing upwardly at the second support 48, F is the userapplied force, and θ is the angle of the user applied force F relativeto a vertical axis that stretches through the center of the handle bar20 to perpendicularly bisect a horizontal axis stretching through thecenters of the supports 46 and 48.

[0053] The summation of the forces in the vertical Y direction shows theforce F applied by the user and must be matched by the reactionaryforces applied by the surface 80 against the supports 46 and 48 as shownwith force arrows A_(y) and B_(y). The forces A_(y) and B_(y) areunknown, but can be derived for the purposes of determining tipping bysolving for the summation of the moments about the first support 46.

[0054] The summation of the moments about the first support 46 equation(2) is given by the following.

D·B _(y) −P·F=0  (2)

[0055] wherein D is the support spacing distance, B_(y) is the upwardreactionary force supplied by the surface 80 against the second support48, P is the perpendicular distance of the handle bar 20 relative to thefirst support 46, and F is applied user force, and θ is the angle of theuser applied force F.

[0056] A tipping equation (3) is provided below and determined bycombining equations (1) and (2) and solving for A_(y). $\begin{matrix}{A_{y} = {F\left\lbrack {{\cos \quad \theta} - \frac{P}{D}} \right\rbrack}} & (3)\end{matrix}$

[0057] If the reactionary force A_(y) at the first support 46 is zero,then the surface 80 is not supplying any reactionary force against thefirst support 46. The exercise device 10 may tip over in such asituation. As long as the value in a portional relationship shown belowin equation (4) is greater than zero for all movements of the handlebars 20, then there is some force A_(y) and the exercise device 10 willnot tip over. $\begin{matrix}{{{\cos \quad \theta} - \frac{P}{D}} > 0} & (4)\end{matrix}$

[0058] The proportional relationship shown in equation (4) can be usedto develop general design parameters for the exercise device 10. Morespecifically, design parameters can be determined based on the intendedusage of the exercise device.

[0059] The intended usage of the exercise device 10 can be used todetermine maximum and minimum values for applied force angle θ. As theequation illustrates, the value for cos(θ) decreases as the appliedforce angle θ increases and increases as the applied force angle θdecreases. The relationship of the perpendicular distance P to thesupport spacing distance D can be designed accordingly.

[0060] If the intended applied force angle is relatively large, such aswhen the user is applying force F when lying down or pulling from aseated position, then the relationship of P to D requires P to becorrespondingly less than D in order to maintain a positive value whenP/D is subtracted from cos(θ). The perpendicular distance P can bedesigned accordingly by lowering the pivot 18 toward the supports,moving the pivot closer to the first support 46, decreasing theconnecting rod length L, or increasing the support spacing distance D.In general, as the intended use requires larger applied force angles θ,the exercise device can be relatively longer between the supports for alonger length and relatively shorter between the supports and the handlebars for a smaller height.

[0061] If the intended applied force angle θ is relatively small, suchas when the user is applying force F by pushing with their hands orfeet, then the relationship of P to D allows P to be a larger value thanin the conditions described above where the force angle θ was larger. Assuch, the connecting rod length L can be larger, the pivot 18 can beraised, the pivot 18 can be move closer to the second support 48, andthe support spacing D can be decreased. In general, as the intended userequires smaller applied for angles θ, the exercise device can berelatively shorter between the supports for a shorter length andrelatively longer between the supports and the handle bars for a largerheight.

[0062] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate anddescribe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used inthe specification are words of description rather than limitation, andit is understood that various changes may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A exercise device, the device comprising: anelongated pivot; at least one connecting rod having a first connectingend and a second connecting end, wherein the first connecting end isoperatively connected to the pivot for rotating around the pivot and auser can apply force to the second connecting end for causing the firstconnecting end to rotate around the pivot; a resistive element forresisting the rotation of the connecting rod; and a first support and asecond support for supporting the pivot, wherein the first support issufficiently positioned on a first side of the pivot and the secondsupport is sufficiently positioned opposite the first support on asecond side of the pivot to substantially project the applied forcebetween the first support and the second support to prevent the exercisedevice from tipping over.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein thefirst support and the second support are spaced apart by a supportspacing distance and wherein a length from the first connecting end tothe second connecting end defines a connecting rod length, wherein thesupport spacing distance is sufficiently proportional to the connectingrod length to prevent the exercise device from tipping over.
 3. Theexercise device of claim 3 wherein a connecting rod angle α representsthe angular rotation of the connecting rod rotates around the pivot andwherein a force angle θ represents the angle of the force applied to thesecond connecting end and wherein a perpendicular distance P representsthe perpendicular distance of the force applied to the second connectingend relative to the first support, wherein the support spacing distanceis sufficiently proportional to the connecting rod angle α the forceangle θ and the perpendicular distance to preventing the exercise devicefrom tipping over.
 4. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein the supportspacing distance is determined according to the following equation:${{\cos \quad \theta} - \frac{P}{D}} > 0$

wherein D is the support spacing distance, θ is the force angle, α isthe connecting rod angle, and P is the perpendicular distance.
 5. Theexercise device of claim 4 wherein the connecting rod length and thesupport spacing distance are sufficiently sized for operation of theexercise device in a compact area.
 6. An exercise device for exercisingin a compact area, the exercise device comprising: a three dimensionalhousing defining an interior cavity; a pivot supported within thehousing; two separately moveable connecting rods covered by the housingand connected to the pivot for rotating around the pivot; a handle barconnected to each connecting rod and extending beyond the housing for auser to apply force to the connecting rod for separately rotating eachconnecting rod around the pivot; a resistive element connected to eachconnecting rod for resisting rotation of the connecting rod; and a pairof supports connected to the housing.
 7. The exercise device of claim 6wherein the housing includes an angular track that corresponds with therotational movement of the handle bars.
 8. The exercise device of claim6 further comprising a coating over each support for preventing theexercise device from skidding.
 9. The exercise device of claim 6 whereinthe resistive element is a number of rubber bands.
 10. The exercisedevice of claim 9 wherein the housing includes a hatch for accessing thehousing and connecting the rubber bands to the connecting rod and thehousing for adjusting the amount of force required to rotate theconnecting rod around the pivot.
 11. The exercise device of claim 6wherein the resistive element is a torsion spring.
 12. The exercisedevice of claim 11 wherein the torsion spring includes a tensionadjustment arm having sufficient length to extend beyond the housing foradjusting the amount of force required to rotate the connecting rodaround the pivot.
 13. The exercise device of claim 12 wherein thehousing includes a tension adjustment panel having notches for securingthe adjustment arm and each notch adjusts the amount of force requiredto rotate the connecting rod around the pivot.
 14. The exercise deviceof claim 6 wherein the pair of supports are sufficiently spaced apart bya support spacing distance to prevent the exercise device from tippingover.
 15. The exercise device of claim 14 wherein the support distanceis sufficiently spaced for the user applied force to be substantiallydirected within the space defined by the support distance to prevent theexercise device from tipping over.
 16. The exercise device of claim 6wherein the housing includes a stop for positioning the connecting armat an inclined angle relative to a vertical axis that stretches throughthe center of the handle bar to perpendicularly bisect a horizontal axisstretching through the centers of the supports, wherein the inclinedangle insures normally applied force is directed toward the supports.17. An exercise device for humans to operate while the exercise deviceis positioned on a generally horizontal surface, the exercise devicecomprising: a pair of spaced apart feet for resting on the generallyhorizontal surface; a pivot disposed between and supported by the feetand having an axis extending generally parallel to the horizontalsurface; a connecting arm journalled on the pivot for swingable movementin a plane intersecting the feet; and a resistive element supported bythe feet for resisting the swingable movement of the connecting arm. 18.The exercise device of claim 17 wherein the connecting arm and the pivotare disposed for lower body exercising from a lying position, whereinthe horizontal surface is elevated approximately with the lyingposition.
 19. The exercise device of claim 17 wherein the connecting armand the pivot are disposed for lower body exercising from a seatedposition, wherein the horizontal surface is elevated below the seatedposition.
 20. The exercise device of claim 17 wherein the connecting armand the pivot are disposed for upper body exercising from a seatedposition, wherein the horizontal surface is elevated above the seatedposition.